Owl Sprinter Van Tech Series: Sidesteps

When it comes to off-road adventures and everyday van life, every detail matters. At Owl Vans, we know that purpose-built gear isn’t just about looking good, but about lasting through the toughest conditions and making every journey safer and more enjoyable. 

One often-overlooked upgrade that combines form, function, and safety is the sidestep. For Sprinter van owners who care about both the design and durability of their rigs, sidesteps are an essential upgrade that can’t be skipped.

Why Side Steps for Sprinter Vans Matter 

Let’s be clear: side steps aren’t just for looks. Yes, they visually enhance your rig, but real-world use proves their worth. Whether you’re climbing in after a muddy hike or loading up gear for an overlanding weekend, having the right step makes all the difference:

• Easier Entry and Exit: A well-designed side step reduces strain for you and your crew, especially with lifted vans or roof racks.

• Safety in All Conditions: Inclement weather, such as rain, snow, and morning dew, can turn any surface into a hazard. Grippy, wide, secure sidesteps minimize slips.

• Protection & Durability: On trails, side steps can also shield your van’s rocker panels from debris and brush.

Nailing the Design: Striking the Balance Between Form and Function

John from Owl (as featured in our recent tech series) nailed it: side steps are like wheels for your van—the proportions have to be spot-on. Too big, and you’re in “Ronald McDonald shoe” territory. Too small, and the step doesn’t do its job.

Owl’s Design Ethos

Our goal is to craft side steps that:

• Elevate your van’s overall aesthetic.

• Offer enough surface for a comfortable, one-step entry.

• Remain narrow enough for trail maneuverability.

We add an “extended step” at the main entry point, since that’s where you enter and exit most frequently. There, you’ll find an extra-wide plate with a curved, upturned end. It’s engineered for grip and safety, functioning like sandpaper underfoot.

Another key feature is Owl’s Sherpa hole and slot pattern. This creates a tactical look, and it offers practical mounting options for recovery gear, shovels, and other Sprinter van accessories.

Materials Matter: The Tubular Aluminum Advantage

Many sidestep manufacturers cut corners, opting for flat, press-bent sheet metal simply because it’s easier to fabricate and powder-coat. You may not see the difference at first glance, but you’ll feel it when your step dents, warps, or fails under pressure.

Owl Vans does it differently. Here’s why:

The Strength Equation

• Tubular Aluminum Construction: Most of the step is built from high-strength tube aluminum, not sheet metal. This offers dramatically increased rigidity and impact resistance.

• Optimized Diameters: The main load-bearing tubes are 2 inches in diameter and the supporting tubes are 1.5 inches. Bigger tubes are used where you need strength and smaller tubes are incorporated for weight savings.

• Precision Manufacturing: Each tube is perfectly cut at specific angles. This means all joints come together flawlessly for a super-strong, reliable step.

Where Others Fail

Tubular aluminum requires specialized machinery and skill. Bending, coping, and welding these materials is expensive and complex. The machine alone costs around $2.5 million. Many companies just aren’t set up to deliver this level of fit and finish. Owl is, and our investment shows in both appearance and performance. This results in:

• A massive strength advantage vs. pressed sheet steps.

• Consistent, reliable fitment. No two steps are ever “off.”

• Reduced weight for better off-road travel.

• A step that looks and works right, not just an add-on.

Built for Adventure With Thoughtful Details

There are countless little details that really make the difference with Owl sidesteps. For example, sometimes you’re stepping out at dawn and the van’s curved surfaces are slick. You might slip and catch yourself, or you might pull your back out. The Owl sidestep solves this by integrating upturned end plates. This increases “pounds per square inch” under your foot, delivering a secure, sandpaper-like grip even in wet weather.

Features like these are deliberate, built from years of experience on the trail and in the shop. It’s about lasting through real-world use while still looking great.

Style Meets Customization

No two vans (or their owners) are the same. That’s where Owl’s attention to style and personalization comes in. Paint your steps in a custom color. Add stripes. Tweak the look to suit your rig’s vibe. It’s about having gear that works as hard as you do and complements your lifestyle.

Why Choose Owl Side Steps for Your Sprinter?

If you’ve ever seen a side step collapse or corrode after one hard season, you know durability isn’t negotiable. Owl’s approach is all about:

• Strength and longevity for off-road and everyday adventures

• Smart use of strong, lightweight materials

• True customizability

• Safety, right down to the foot grip shape

Cheaper options exist, but those aren’t built for the kind of life you’re leading. At Owl, we only make it the right way, or we don’t make it at all.

Ready for Real-World Adventure?

Owl's high-quality Sprinter van side steps are engineered for Sprinters that see action on mountain trails, desert dunes, snowy parking lots, and city streets. If you want gear that’s rugged, beautiful, and functional for the long haul, look no further.

Explore the full range, specs, and customization options here, upgrade with confidence, and hit the road (or off-road) knowing your Sprinter is truly adventure-ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will side steps interfere with the sliding door operation on my Sprinter?

No. Owl side steps are installed below the sliding door mechanism, so you won’t have to worry about them ever getting in the way.

Do you offer steps for both driver and passenger sides?

Yes. Both the Explorer and Trail sidesteps are sold in driver/passenger pairs.

Do these side steps fit both 144” and 170” wheelbase Sprinter vans?

The Owl Explorer Sprinter van side steps are available for both 144” and 170” wheelbases. The Trail side steps are only available for the 144”.